How to Be More Confident as a Cheerleader and/or Coach

by | Dec 11, 2023 | Blog, Sports Psychology

Tips on how to be more confident and become a better athlete/coach!

QUIT COMPARING

Comparing is natural, but remind yourself life isn’t a competition. As an athlete or coach (or in any other situation), you have your own journey. You will always be good at things that others aren’t, and others will always be good at things you aren’t. To reduce feelings of envy, remind yourself of your strengths and successes or write down things you’re grateful for.

PRACTICE POSITIVE SELF-TALK

Optimistic self-talk can help you overcome any self-doubt you may have. One of the best ways to practice this is by saying, thinking and/or writing down positive affirmations. See my Instagram post from October 2, 2022 for lists of affirmations for cheerleaders!

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVITY

Pay attention to how each person in your life makes you feel. Surround yourself with friends who make you feel good about yourself, support you and genuinely get happy for you.

BE IT BEFORE YOU SEE IT

Similar to fake it ‘till you make it, but the real version. Think about what your “ideal” or “highest” self (i.e. the best version of you) would do in a situation, then act accordingly.  If you think the best version of yourself would be the most confident flyer who performs well and does all her skills with certainty, then become that flyer in your mind before you do your stunt. After a while, you’ll no longer be faking the confidence and it will come naturally to you.

TRANSFORM THE BUTTERFLIES

Whenever you feel nervous, imagine that the energy you feel is excitement, rather than fear, anxiety or uncertainty. Train your mind over time to think that the nervous feeling is good energy prepping you to give a good performance, land your tumbling, etc.

REPETITION, REPETITION, REPETITION

The more times you practice something, the better. Doing the highest number of repetitions that you can (over time) will make you feel confident and certain about a skill. Even if you think you have it down, do an extra few reps when you’re tired just to prove to yourself you can.